The best compliment you've ever received

A few kind words can brighten your day, but when the compliment is unexpected, unusual or about something you’re particularly proud of, the memory of the comment can bring a smile to your face for months, even years. We asked Canadians to share the best compliments that have stuck with them, and hope that it inspires you to be thoughtful and liberal with the compliments you dole out.

"My son brought a girlfriend home when he was in university. I was making dinner for them in the kitchen and he said to her, 'When I was in high school, Mom made me a home cooked meal, as good as this or better, every night.' I had no idea that my labours had made such an impression on him." Daphne, Toronto

"I'm an academic advisor at a university, and have had several years of teaching experience, so am comfortable in front of a group. Recently, I was talking to a group about first year electives, and after the presentation, one of the students said that he was impressed I was able to list the subjects and their faculty association (humanities, social sciences, sciences). He said he could hear the pages of the Rolodex in my memory turning as I was talking and writing on the board." Anthea, Thunder Bay, Ont.

"After a few months of trying to get fit, I was feeling frustrated that I wasn't achieving the results I wanted. A woman at the gym came over to me one day and told me how fabulous and fit I was beginning to look. She said my success was inspiring to her. Little did she know that by telling me, in turn she was inspiring me!" Kim, Sarnia, Ont.

"I'm often told that I have great posture. In fact, two elderly ladies were so impressed with my stance, I had a real laugh trying to convince them that I had never undergone surgery to place a steel rod in my back!" Ann, Toronto

"One time, after a long and nonsensical e-mail exchange where my friend Josh and I tried to out-fun one another, he wrote, 'I love your brain.'" Jowita, Toronto

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